Obama lacks resolve for real change

Except for the gullible and naive, most voters have learned the hard way that a politician's promises are worth about as much as Confederate money.

In 2008 most voters believed that President Obama was a different type of politician, so when he promised to have all the troops out of Iraq in 16 months, eliminate/reduce earmarks, pass a health care bill with a public option, end Don't Ask Don't Tell, push for a comprehensive immigration reform bill and end the tax breaks for the wealthy, voters believed him and he was elected.

So after almost two years into his presidency has he kept any of his major campaign promises? Let's look at the record: the troops are still in Iraq; in 2009 the president signed a massive omnibus appropriation bill loaded with pork barrel spending; he signed a health care bill that did not have a public option; Don't Ask Don't Tell is still in effect; the president has been virtually silent about a comprehensive immigration reform bill; and he has caved into Republicans and extended the tax cuts for the super rich. To be fair, the financial reform bill was passed, but most experts describe it as not being tough enough.

It is becoming clear that the president has little resolve and possesses no strong core beliefs about any issue and when challenged will quickly abandon previously stated positions and give into Republicans/reactionaries.

It is too bad that Hillary and the president cannot switch jobs.

Victor Darst

West Dundee